NYC school crossing guard thought he was luring teen for sex: DA

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – A school crossing guard in New York City allegedly tried to lure an undercover cop he believed was a 14-year-old girl to have sex, authorities said.

Jared Jeridore, 24, was charged Wednesday with attempted use of a child in a sexual performance, attempted rape and more following an undercover police investigation, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

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The undercover investigation began after police received complaints from underage people about Jeridore, who worked as a school crossing guard in Jamaica, Queens, authorities said.

An undercover NYPD officer posed as a 14-year-old girl and met Jeridore at the intersection of 108th Avenue and 167th Street near the school on March 28, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

Jeridore and the undercover officer connected on Instagram and eventually he allegedly tried to meet her at a hotel for sex, authorities said. Police were waiting at the hotel and arrested Jeridore Tuesday.

“His arrest should serve as a warning to any sexual predator who thinks they will not be caught and held responsible. Thank you to our partners at the NYPD for their work on this,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement.

Jeridore faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

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